At this October's BNC Show, we’re thrilled to welcome back Jade Fletcher, founder of Jade Green Productions, as one of our headline seminar leaders.

Known for her creativity, resilience, and authenticity, Jade has built a successful career in the world of corporate and cultural events — and now, she’s channeling that experience into BNC Meet the Mentor, a new initiative designed to nurture developing talent in the events industry.

From Freelance Beginnings to Industry Leadership

Jade launched Jade Green Productions in 2012 after several years working freelance, specialising in fashion, music and entertainment events.
“I tried the corporate market a bit,” she recalls, “but due to my rare sight condition, I didn’t feel like it was a fit.”

When she started out, there were very few female entrepreneurs working in music and entertainment events in the UK. “There were only a handful of us; we mostly knew of each other,” Jade says.

“Being taken seriously was a challenge, especially when it came to negotiations or getting paid on time. People did, and still do, take advantage — but I’ve become hardened to it and more specific about the clients I choose.”

She’s open about the realities of running an events business, especially the financial challenges: “Finance and cashflow are always tough. You have to love it, be passionate about it, be thick-skinned and prepared for the seasonal nature of the work.”

Jade credits much of her growth to the support she’s received along the way — though she admits it hasn’t always been easy to find the right kind of help.

“I’ve had incredible mentors, but most didn’t really understand events. The free government mentoring schemes are all very good, but in my experience the advice often came from middle-aged men who didn’t quite grasp the challenges I faced. Still, I learned something from each of them.”

The Inspiration Behind Meet the Mentor

The spark for Jade’s new Meet the Mentor programme came from a deeply personal experience.

“I realised the value of having a mentor — and I didn’t have one for a long time,” she says. “Then I met someone, an American transformational coach in his seventies, during the pandemic.

“I had all these ideas but didn’t know where to start, and he helped me find my direction. He mentored me until he passed away last year. Before he died, we talked about creating a programme like this for others.”

That conversation became the seed of Meet the Mentor — a safe, conversational experience designed to connect graduates and newcomers – of any age - with experienced event professionals.

“I don’t want it to be people standing on a stage preaching,” Jade explains. “"I want it to be a safe space to talk about real problems, from late payments to partners not understanding the weekend work lifestyle. It should feel safe, supportive and even therapeutic.”

Participants will have the chance to engage in open discussions, make meaningful connections, and even go on to collaborate professionally. “People can go on to do business together and stay connected,” she says.

Building a Community of Support

The idea has already been taking shape and supported by the team behind The BNC Show.

“I came to one of the sessions that Jade Cannon and Anna-Marie Trzebinski were doing at a previous BNC Show, and they really inspired me,” Jade recalls. “The BNC is a great place to come together and share experiences and connect.

“At the BNC Show in April, I was the last session of the day and thought I might not get many people — but I ended up with a queue forming before it even started.

“We had four groups and about 40-50 attendees in total, and each group’s conversation was slightly different, progressing as they went around the room. It was fascinating.”

That response confirmed Jade’s belief that there’s a real appetite in the events community for connection, openness and mentorship.

Looking Ahead

As she prepares to officially launch Meet the Mentor at this year’s BNC Show, Jade hopes to build an enduring community where guidance and empathy go hand in hand with professional growth. “It’s about sharing experiences honestly — the highs and the hard bits — so that people don’t feel alone,” she says.

See Jade Fletcher live at the BNC Show and discover how Meet the Mentor is setting the stage for a more inclusive, collaborative, and compassionate future for the events industry.

“People are welcome to connect with me before/during/after the show for more information!” Jade says.

FOR YOUR FULL LIST OF BNC SHOW SEMINARS TAKING PLACE THROUGHOUT THE DAY AT THE BNC SHOW ON TUESDAY 14TH OCTOBER 9AM-4PM AT MANSION HOUSE PLEASE ACCESS YOUR VISITOR APP OR GO HERE: https://tinyurl.com/34wbdtjc